The visitors looked in control after going two goals ahead before the break, but Brugge responded strongly to level the match. Atletico moved back in front thanks to an own goal, only for Christos Tzolis to strike a stoppage-time equaliser for the hosts after VAR overturned an offside call.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s return leg, with a place in the last 16 still up for grabs. Atletico captain Koke admitted his side failed to manage the game.
“We were two up and didn’t know how to hold on to the lead,” he said. “It was a rollercoaster, like it’s been all season. We have to concentrate more.”
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring from the penalty spot, confidently converting after a handball. Atletico extended their advantage before Brugge rallied after the break, pulling level through Raphael Onyedika and Nicolo Tresoldi.
An own goal from Joel Ordonez briefly restored Atletico’s lead, but Tzolis finished calmly in the closing moments to ensure the teams head into the second leg all square.
